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Dana White has an idea of who Islam Makhachev will fight next after UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. Makhachev (25-1 MMA) defended his lightweight title in a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski (26-3 MMA) in the main event. They had fought before in February at UFC 284, where Makhachev won a disputed decision over the Australian.
Makhachev ended the rematch in the first round with a perfect head kick. He dropped ‘The Great’ and finished him with punches.
After the event, UFC CEO Dana White talked to the media at the press conference and shared his plans for the lightweight division.
He was asked who Makhachev would face next between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. White said this (h/t TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter).
“You’ve got to give it to Oliveira… But again, these are all questions I can’t really answer right now.”
Makhachev and Oliveira had fought before at UFC 280 for the vacant lightweight title. The Russian won by second-round submission.
Justin Gaethje (25-4 MMA) fought last in July at UFC 291. He won the BMF title by knocking out former interim champ Dustin Poirier in round two.
Makhachev said he was ready to fight anyone Dana White and the UFC offered him.